A method for operating a log cutting process of a log to be cut by a log cutting system, such a system and a computer readable storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method (100) for operating a log cutting process of a log (15) to be cut by a log cutting system (1), the method (100) comprising the steps of determining (101 ) a cut profile (16) for said log (15) and a desired orientation. Further, the method (100) comprises the step of providing (103), in response to that an actual orientation of said log (15) deviates from said desired orientation, a feedback signal (13). Moreover, the method (100) comprises the step of operating (104) said log cutting process by at least one of updating (104a) a simulation model storing said output, based on said feedback signal (13) and controlling (104b) said log cutting system (1) to adapt to said deviation, based on said feedback signal (13). The disclosure further relates to a log cutting system (1) and a computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs configured to be executed by control circuitry (10) of a log cutting system (1).

Description

[0001] A method for operating a log cutting process of a log to be cut by a log cutting system, such a system and a computer readable storage medium

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a method for operating a log cutting process of a log to be cut by a log cutting system. Further, the present disclosure relates to a log cutting system and a computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs configured to be executed by control circuitry of a log cutting system.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Sawmills integrate scanners into their operations to assess incoming logs accurately, enabling efficient processing. These scanners use advanced imaging technology to create detailed three-dimensional models of the logs, allowing for optimal cutting strategies to be set. Once scanned, the data is analyzed to optimize the log's positioning for cutting, so to maximize log yield. In other words, a cut profile is determined for each log. However, machine errors can occur during the cutting process, leading to deviations from the intended cuts. These errors may result from mechanical malfunctions or misalignments in the cutting equipment. E.g. a log turner of the sawmill may fail to position the log in its intended position, thereby introducing a deviation. Consequently, logs may be cut inaccurately, impacting both traceability and board quality. Inaccurate cuts can compromise the ability to trace boards back to its source, affecting inventory management and quality control. Additionally, inconsistent cuts can result in variations in workpiece dimensions and quality, affecting downstream processing and product performance.

[0006] Based on the above, there is a need for an improved method for operating a log cutting process, such a method should be able to operate the log cutting process in a manner which accounts for any discrepancies which may have arisen in the log cutting process. SUMMARY

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to alleviate at least some of the mentioned drawbacks to provide a method for operating a log cutting process of a log to be cut by a log cutting system. Further, the present disclosure provides a log cutting system and a computer- readable storage medium comprising instructions for performing such a method.

[0008] The present disclosure is at least partly based on the insight that the method and system herein is improved compared to conventional methods as any deviations which may arise upon positioning a log are allowed to be compensated by either updating a simulation model and / or controlling the log cutting system.

[0009] The present disclosure relates to a method for operating / adapting / controlling / adjust settings of a log cutting process of a log to be cut by a log cutting system. The method comprises the steps of determining a cut profile for said log, said cut profile being indicative of an output of said log, the output comprising at least one board. Further, the method comprises the step of determining a desired orientation of said log relative to a log partitioning apparatus of said log cutting system to enable said output to be obtained. Moreover, the method comprises the step of providing, in response to that an actual orientation of said log deviates from said desired orientation, a feedback signal. Furthermore, the method comprises the step of operating / adapting / controlling said log cutting process by at least one of: updating a simulation model storing said output, based on said feedback signal; controlling said log cutting system to adapt to said deviation, based on said feedback signal.

[0010] An advantage of the method is that traceability will be maintained even if a deviation is introduced. Additionally, or alternatively, an introduced deviation may be at least partly compensated.

[0011] The feedback signal may be provided prior to that the log is cut. Accordingly, the simulation model may also be updated prior to that the log is cut.

[0012] The steps of determining a cut profile, determining a desired orientation and providing a feedback signal may be computer-implemented. Accordingly, said steps may be performed by an electronic device. The step of operating may also, in some aspects be computer- implemented. For example, the step of updating a simulation model may be computer- implemented. The step of controlling said log cutting system may be performed by controlling a device of the log cutting system so to adapt to the deviation. The device may be e.g. a log turner or any other suitable device of said system which is operable to adapt to said deviation.

[0013] The step of determining a desired orientation may be performed by determining at least one of a desired log displacement along a first direction of a transporting track, desired log angle relative said transportation rack, desired rotational position of said log relative said transporting rack or any other suitable orientation. The term "transporting rack" may refer to any suitable structure / frame operable to transport a log or its output. The term may be interchanged with e.g. "transporting track", "carrying track", "transport frame" or the like.

[0014] Further, the cut profile may be at least one of an optimal cut profile determined to minimize log waste resulting from said log cutting process and maximize value of said log to be cut. The term "minimize log waste" may refer to that the output, once obtained has utilized the largest possible amount of the material of the log forming board(s). The term "maximize value" may refer to that the output, once obtained comprises boards each of which have minimal defects or substandard characteristics thereby having a maximized monetary value. In other words, an optimal cut profile determined to maximize the volume of boards from said log cutting process and maximize monetary value of said log to be cut. Accordingly, the method may upon determining the cut profile operate to provide a cut profile indicative of an output which utilizes the log material the utmost and / or provide a cut profile indicative of an output which maximizes yield / value. The cut profile may be a desired rotational position the log should have upon being cut by a log partitioning apparatus.

[0015] During the step of determining said cut profile, and / or determining said desired orientation a safety margin may be applied / accounted / complied with. In other words, the step determining said cut profile and / or determining said desired orientation may comprise applying a safety margin. The cut profile may be adapted to comply with said safety margin during said step of determining or the desired log orientation relative to a log partitioning apparatus which utilizes said cut profile may be adapted to comply with said safety margin. The safety margin may be applied so to reduce / mitigate a risk of said output to be defective or substandard i.e. to reduce / nullify a probability of obtaining a defective or substandard board. Accordingly, the cut profile / saw pattern may be indicative of a plurality of cutting planes. Further, the method may, when applying said safety margin, determine a risk of obtaining one or more defective or substandard boards if there is a deviation of a pre-determined magnitude e.g. if the rotational position of the log has an error of 10°. Then, the method may adapt the cut profile to introduce a safety margin to mitigate the risk of obtaining said one or more defective or substandard boards, if a deviation is introduced. The error may be an average error derived from historic data. Accordingly, deviations from the desired orientation of the log result in deviating outputs, the safety margin may be set so that the deviating output is not a defect or substandard output.

[0016] In other aspects, the method may only determine cut profiles which comply with a pre-set safety margin.

[0017] An advantage of this is that the risk of obtaining defective or substandard board(s) will be mitigated / reduced.

[0018] The size / magnitude of the safety margin may be selected based on historic data.

[0019] Historic data may be indicative of a number of defective or substandard outputs resulting from specific historic / previous cut profiles and / or deviations of the actual orientation of the log compared to the desired orientation.

[0020] Advantageously, the method may determine the cut profile based on historic data, thereby being able to apply a safety margin of sufficient size to a selected cut profile.

[0021] The size of the safety margin may be dynamically selected. Le. the method may adapt the safety margin for each log to be cut by said log cutting system.

[0022] An advantage of this is that the safety margin may be customized for each log, allowing increased efficiency. Some cut profiles may, based on historic data, not need any significant safety margin, while other may need a safety margin of greater size.

[0023] In some aspects, the method may after providing the feedback signal comprise the step of cutting the log (which may have an actual orientation deviating from said desired orientation). Subsequently, the method may comprise the step of using the updated simulation model (in view of the output resulting from the cutting) to track said output of said log to an originating log. The term "simulation model storing said output" may be interchanged with "digital output representation".

[0024] In some aspects, when dynamically selecting the safety margin, the size of the safety margin may be selected dynamically based on a previous cutting accuracy of said log cutting system, e.g., based on a previous cutting accuracy (when cutting one or more previous logs) of a log rotating device thereof. In other words, the safety margin may be reduced if the previous cutting accuracy is high and increased if it is low. Moreover, the safety margin may be removed if the log cutting system has complied with desired cutting accuracy so to obtain desired outputs.

[0025] "Output" may refer to one or more boards resulting from cutting a log in accordance with the cut profile.

[0026] The cut profile may be indicative of a plurality of cutting planes along which the log is intended to be cut to produce / output said at least one board, wherein said safety margin may be applied by altering / introducing a space between at least one cutting plane and an outer circumference of (one or more points of) said log or the safety margin may be applied by any other suitable manner such as by setting a desired orientation from which the log may deviate from with a pre-defined extent while impacting output minimally / to a pre-set extent. Accordingly, the space may be altered such that, even if there is a deviation in the orientation of the log, the output will not be defective or substandard. The space may be altered to be able to comply with specific deviations in the orientations of the log, e.g. with a specific deviation in the rotational position, log angle or log displacement. Accordingly, the space may be altered so that a deviation of 10° in the rotational position of the log will not result in one or more defective or substandard boards.

[0027] In an additional or alternative aspect, said safety margin may be applied based on a scheme which represents log yield with respect to log orientation relative said (already determined) cut profile, wherein said safety margin is set by selecting said desired log orientation so to affect a desired yield minimally or up to a pre-determined threshold. In other words, the desired log orientation may be set so that if any deviations from the desired log orientation occur / eventuate, the desired yield will, with high probability (80-100%), be affected minimally (i.e. substantially nullified) or up to a pre-determined threshold (e.g. maximum 5-20% less yield than desired). In other aspects, the safety margin may be set by selecting said desired log orientation so that a probability of obtaining a defective or substandard board is below a threshold if the actual orientation deviates from said desired orientation. The probability may be estimated based on previous cutting accuracy.

[0028] The term "defective board" may refer to a board that contain defective characteristics e.g. bark inclusions, decay, size irregularities, wanes (exceeding a pre-determined dimension) or any other suitable measure. Further, "defective boards" may refer to that the board(s) collectively do not comply with a calculated volume yield for the log e.g. if the output results in a volume yield of below a specific pre-set threshold, the one or more boards may be considered as defective. Hence, upon determining a cut profile, the cut profile may be determined so to avoid the aforementioned defective characteristics.

[0029] In some aspects, the step of determining a desired orientation comprises providing a theoretical / original / default representation, the theoretical representation being indicative of theoretical log yield across a plurality of log orientations. In other words, the theoretical representation may be indicative of a yield distribution / yield profile. Further, the step of determining a desired orientation comprises; determining based on observed data and the theoretical representation, an expected representation, the expected representation being indicative of a (probabilistic) expected log yield across said plurality of log orientations. In other words, the expected representation may be indicative of an expected yield distribution / yield profile Accordingly, the method further comprises selecting said desired orientation based on the expected representation. The representation may be in the form of a graph, table or any other suitable representation in the form of e.g. a scheme or the like.

[0030] Advantageously, this enables an orientation to be selected which is expected to give a most / highest yield. Accordingly, the method may, in the step of selecting, select an orientation which in said expected representation is indicative of a highest yield.

[0031] The expected representation may be determined by utilizing a kernel-based method, preferably a Gaussian kernel. In other words, a Gaussian kernel may be used to adapt / translate a theoretical representation to an expected representation i.e. to adapt / fit theoretical yield data to observed yield data probabilistically. However, the expected representation may be determined by utilizing any other suitable statistical method. To specify, the expected representation may be provided by, for each possible (target) angle / orientation of a log, calculating an expected value of a yield by integrating over all possible outcome angles / orientations weighted by a respective probability thereof.

[0032] The observed data may be historic data indicative of an accuracy of the system for example, observed data may be previous feedback signals.

[0033] The term "theoretical representation" may refer to a prediction based on an idealized model / assumption which assumes ideal conditions.

[0034] In some aspects, the output is a plurality of boards, wherein simulation model represent said plurality of boards and an association of each of the plurality of boards to the log.

[0035] In some aspects, the simulation model represent each board of the plurality of boards by storing at least one of dimensions, internal structures, patterns, or any other characteristics of said plurality of boards.

[0036] In some aspects, the step of updating comprises to account for the deviation in the simulation model. Thus, to adapt the simulation model so that it complies with and / or is consistent with the deviated output.

[0037] In some aspects, the output is a plurality of boards, wherein the simulation model digitally represent each board (to be cut), wherein the method comprises the step of assigning each digitally represented board simulated by the simulation model a fingerprint which is linked to said log (subject to the cutting process). The log cutting system may be configured to match image data of a plurality of cut boards to said digitally represented board. Thus, the system is operable to use the digitally represented board post cutting to link each cut board to its digital counterpart, thereby linking each cut board to the (originating) log via the fingerprint of the digital counterpart.

[0038] The present disclosure further relates to a log cutting system comprising a log scanning device, a log rotating device configured to adjust the log to a desired orientation, a partitioning apparatus, a transporting rack for transporting the log between at least the log rotating device and said log partitioning apparatus and control circuitry. It should be noted that the log cutting system may be adapted within the context of the present disclosure and may e.g. comprise more than one partitioning apparatus and more than one log rotating device. The control circuitry is configured to: determine, based on a log scanned by said scanning device, a cut profile for said log, said cut profile being indicative of an output of said log, the output comprising at least one board; determine said desired orientation for said log relative to said log partitioning apparatus to enable said output to be obtained; provide, in response to that an actual orientation of said log deviates from said desired orientation after adjustment of said log by said log rotating device, a feedback signal;

[0039] Further, the control circuitry is configured to operate the log cutting process by at least one of: updating a simulation model storing / representing said output, based on said feedback signal; and controlling said partitioning apparatus of said log cutting system to adapt to said deviation, based on said feedback signal.

[0040] Hence, the log rotating device may provide a compensating rotational movement to the log in response to that the actual orientation of the log deviates from the desired orientation.

[0041] Moreover, the control circuitry may update a simulation model. The simulation model may be stored in a memory device of the control circuitry and may be re-determined by the control circuitry based on the feedback signal. Hence, the feedback signal may contain data of an amount said log deviates from its desired position. Accordingly, the control circuitry may update the simulation model so to take into account that the output will be a deviating output.

[0042] In some aspects, the log cutting system is configured to cut said log to obtain said output, the output being a plurality of cut boards.

[0043] The update may comprise to account for the deviation in the simulation model. Further, the simulation model may be configured to digitally represent each board (prior to that the log is cut), and assign a fingerprint which is linked to said log (to be cut), to each digitally represented board simulated by the simulation model. The log cutting system is configured to match image data of said plurality of cut boards to said digitally represented board. Thus, even if any deviation has occurred to the orientation of the log, this is accounted for by the simulation model and thereby allow the system to be able to link the cut board back to its digital representation efficiently.

[0044] The log cutting system herein comprise any advantages as the method described herein. Therefore, in order to avoid due repetition, reference is made to the aforementioned.

[0045] The present disclosure further relates to a computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs configured to be executed by control circuitry of a log cutting system, the one or more programs including instructions for performing the method of any aspect herein.

[0046] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will now be further clarified and described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings;

[0048] Figure 1 illustrates a log cutting system and a sequential operation thereof schematically in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 2 illustrates, in the form of a flowchart, a method in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 3 illustrates an electronic device having a graphical user interface which illustrates a simulation model in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 4 illustrates a top view of some components of a log cutting system during the method step of determining;

[0052] Figure 5 illustrates the step of determining, while applying a safety margin, with a schematical flowchart; Figure 6 illustrates a graph depicting yield on one axis and rotational offset of a log on another axis, the graph indicating the yield of a log obtained if the log is cut with different rotational offsets; and

[0053] Figure 7 illustrates a graphs representing theoretical and expected representation;;

[0054] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] In the following detailed description, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. However, it is to be understood that features of the different embodiments are exchangeable between the embodiments and may be combined in different ways, unless anything else is specifically indicated. Even though in the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the present disclosure, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known constructions or functions are not described in detail, so as not to obscure the present disclosure.

[0056] It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to be limiting. It should be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claim, the articles "a", "an", "the", and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a unit" or "the unit" may refer to more than one unit in some contexts, and the like. Furthermore, the words "comprising", "including", "containing" do not exclude other elements or steps. It should be emphasized that the term "comprises / comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components. It does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof. The term "and / or" is to be interpreted as meaning "both" as well and each as an alternative. More specifically, the wording "one or more" of a set of elements (as in "one or more of A, B and C" or "at least one of A, B and C") is to be interpreted as either a conjunctive or disjunctive logic. Put differently, it may refer either to all elements, one element or combination of two or more elements of a set of elements. For example, the wording "A, B and C" may be interpreted as A or B or C, A and B and C, A and B, B and C, or A and C.

[0057] Figure 1 illustrates, schematically, a log cutting system comprising a log scanning device 2, a log rotating device 3 configured to adjust a log 15 to a desired orientation. Further, the log cutting system 1 comprises a partitioning apparatus 4 and a transporting rack 5 for transporting the log between at least the log rotating device 3 and said log partitioning apparatus 4. The log scanning device 2, rotating device 3, partitioning apparatus 4 may be arranged sequentially. Hence, the transporting rack 5 may be a common transporting rack 5. However, Figure 1 is a mere example illustration. In other aspects, the partitioning apparatus 4 may be more than one partitioning apparatus 4. Further, the log scanning device 2 may be a plurality of log scanning devices 2.

[0058] Further, Figure 1 illustrates that the log cutting system comprises control circuitry 10 configured to determine, based on a log 15 scanned by said scanning device 2, a cut profile 16 (not shown, shown in Figure 3) for said log 15, said cut profile 16 being indicative of an output of said log, the output comprising at least one board 11. Preferably, the output comprises a plurality of boards 11. Moreover, the control circuitry 10 is configured to determine said desired orientation for said log 15 relative to said log partitioning apparatus 4 to enable said output to be obtained. Further, Figure 1 illustrates that in response to that an actual orientation of said log 15 deviates from said desired orientation after adjustment of said log 15 by said log rotating device 3, a feedback signal 13 is provided by the control circuitry 10. Figure 1 further illustrates that, in response to the feedback signal 13, the control circuitry 10 may be configured to control said log cutting system 1 to adapt to said deviation, based on said feedback signal 13. In some aspects, the control circuitry 10 may be configured to, additionally or alternatively, update a simulation model (not shown) storing (a digital representation of) said output, based on said feedback signal 13.

[0059] Specifically, Figure 1 illustrates that the log scanning device 2 may be operable to obtain image data 17 of a log 15. The image data 17 may comprise at least one of depth maps, three- dimensional images, infrared images or any other suitable type of image data 17 which may represent the log's 15 shape, contour, surface topography, density and internal structure in one or more dimensions. The log scanning device 2 may transmit the image data 17 to the control circuitry 10 which may be configured to process the image data and may generate a cut profile based on the image data 17. Accordingly, based on said cut profile the control circuitry 10 may command / control the log rotating device 3 to adjust the log 15 to a desired orientation on a transporting rack 5. The desired orientation may be an orientation which enables the log 15 to, upon reaching a log partitioning apparatus be cut / partitioned according to the desired cut profile.

[0060] However, Figure 1, which is an example with the purpose of illustrating a log partitioning process according to non-limiting aspects herein, illustrates that the control circuitry 10 may instruct the log rotating device 3 to rotate the log 15 with x degrees (e.g. relative a reference position of the log 15). Nonetheless, Figure 1 illustrates that the actual orientation of the log deviates with a relative the desired orientation. Provided that this deviation is not adjusted, the resulting output will deviate from the desired output (which is the output indicated by the determined cut profile). Hence, Figure 1 illustrates that the log cutting system 1 herein is operable to compensate for / adapt to a deviation which was introduced by the log rotating device 3 (or any other device).

[0061] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the deviation may be detected by at least one sensor device (which may be any suitable sensor device operable to detect an orientation of a log) which is installed at the log rotating device 3 or associated with the log rotating device 3. In such an aspect, the log rotating device 3 is configured to adjust the log 15 to the desired orientation. Further, the control circuitry 10 may in real-time receive sensor data from said sensor device and derive whether an actual orientation of the log 15 after adjustment by the log rotating device 3 deviates from said desired orientation. Subsequently, if a deviation is present, the control circuitry 10 may transmit the feedback signal 13 directly to the (same) log rotating device 3 which introduced the deviation to compensate for the deviation. Hence, the deviation may be at least partly compensated for directly where it is introduced. However, it should be noted that in other aspects, the compensation may be compensated by another log rotating device 3.

[0062] Figure 1 illustrates that the feedback signal 13 may be a signal which comprises instructions for enabling / instructing the log cutting system 1 to compensate / adapt to the deviation. In Figure 1 the feedback signal 13 is a signal which instructs / controls the log rotating device 3 to adapt to the deviation. However, in other aspects, the feedback signal 13 may be transmitted to the transporting rack 5, to the log partitioning apparatus 4 or any other suitable device operable to adapt to the deviation. In some aspects herein, the log cutting system 1 may adapt by determining a new / additional cut profile. Advantageously, in such an aspect, the deviation is adapted to through software rather than through physical adjustment of the log 15.

[0063] Figure 1 further illustrates that the control circuitry 10 may comprise one or more memory devices 21. The memory device 21 may comprise any form of volatile or non-volatile computer readable memory including, without limitation, persistent storage, solid-state memory, remotely mounted memory, magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), mass storage media (for example, a hard disk), removable storage media (for example, a flash drive, a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), and / or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device readable and / or computer-executable memory devices that store information, data, and / or instructions. Each memory device 21 may store any suitable instructions, data, simulation models or information, including a computer program, software, an application including one or more of logic, rules, code, tables, etc. and / or other instructions capable of being executed by modules 22, 23, 24 and, utilized. Memory device 21 may be used to store any calculations made by a determining module 22 and operating module 23 and / or any data received via output and input interfaces (not shown). The interfaces may receive data from e.g. log scanning devices 2 and / or sensor devices. The memory device 21 may store any instructions and / or programs that may carry out the method according to the disclosure herein. The instructions may be executed by the modules 22, 23.

[0064] In some embodiments, the memory device 21 may be considered to be integrated in one or more of the modules 22, 23, 24. In some embodiments, the memory device 21 and related data are stored in a cloud server accessible by the control circuitry 10.

[0065] The modules 22, 23, 24 may comprise, for example, one or more central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs) dedicated to performing calculations, and / or other processing devices. In some aspects herein, at least one of the modules 22, 23, 24 may comprise a trained learning algorithm based on a deep learning model or a machine learning model. The trained learning algorithm may be configured to determine cut profile, desired orientation, safety margins, feedback signal, simulation models or determine which measure the log cutting system 1 should perform based on the feedback signal 13.

[0066] Specifically, the determining module may be configured to determine the cut profile, the desired orientation based on the cut profile and provide the feedback signal. The operating module 23 may be configured to control the log cutting system to adapt to a deviation and / or to update a simulation model storing / representing said output. The simulation model may be provided by a simulation module 24. The simulation model may be stored in the memory device 21 which is accessible by the simulation module 24. The simulation module 24 may be configured to obtain said image data 17, apply an algorithm to simulate (graphically or numerically) an optimal orientation of cuts to a log 15 to be cut to e.g. maximize yield / value of the log or to minimize waste i.e. the cut profile may be at least partly provided by the simulation model. Further, the simulation module 24 may define / determine a simulation model which represents an output of the log 15. The simulation model may represent an output (i.e. a plurality of boards) of the log 15 in view / relation to the (original un-cut) log 15. The simulation module 24 may also determine the cut profile in some aspects. Hence, the simulation model may represent a plurality of boards and their association to an originating log 15. Allowing for each board to be traced back to an originating log. Hence, the simulation model / control circuitry 10 may be configured to trace the output back to an originating log.

[0067] The communication between modules 22, 23, interfaces, sensors, external devices may be performed by any type of communication network, such as a local area network (e.g. intranet), wide area network (e.g. Internet), cellular network, or some combination thereof.

[0068] Figure 2 illustrates, in the form of a flowchart, a method 100 for operating a log cutting process of a log to be cut by a log cutting system, the method 100 comprising the steps of determining 101 a cut profile for said log, said cut profile being indicative of an output of said log, the output comprising at least one board. Further, the method 100 comprises the steps of determining 102 a desired orientation of said log relative to a log partitioning apparatus of said log cutting system to enable said output to be obtained. Further, the method comprises the step of providing 103, in response to that an actual orientation of said log deviates from said desired orientation, a feedback signal. Moreover, the method comprises the step of operating 104 said log cutting process by at least one of updating 104a a simulation model storing said output, based on said feedback signal and controlling 104b said log cutting system to adapt to said deviation, based on said feedback signal.

[0069] Figure 3 illustrates the steps of determining a cut profile 16 and providing a simulation model 17 in accordance with some example aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 3 illustrates an electronic device 200 having a graphical user interface. The electronic device 200 may be any suitable electronic device 200 such as a laptop, a tablet or any other user equipment. Figure 3 further illustrates that a simulation model 17 may be represented at the graphical user interface, the simulation model 17 depicting / storing an output of a log 15 to be cut based on a specific cut profile 16 which allows each board, once obtained, to be tracked. Figure 3 illustrates that the log 15 to be cut is represented. The log 15 to be cut may have a Log ID.

[0070] Further, Figure 3 illustrates that the cut profile 16 may also be illustrated on the graphical user interface. The cut profile in Figure 3 indicates a plurality of cutting planes, which when cut along, allows one or more boards 11 to be obtained. Digital representations of the boards 11 may be depicted / represented / stored by the simulation model 17. Accordingly, if the log 15 is cut according to the cut profile 16, each board 11 may via the simulation model 17 be linked / tracked to the originating log 15 by e.g. a tracking module / interface. Accordingly, the method 100 may assign each digitally represented board 11 simulated by the simulation model 17 a fingerprint 18 which is associated with a specific log identity. The simulation model 17 may represent each board 11 by storing / representing its dimensions, internal structures, patterns or any other characteristics of said board 11. This allows for the cut board 11 to, for example by matching image data of a (cut) board 11 to a digitally represented board / a digital twin thereof, represented by the simulation model, which via the simulation model may be tracked to the originating log 15.

[0071] In some aspects, the method 100 may update the simulation model 17 based on said feedback signal so that the deviation, which will affect the output, is accounted for in the simulation model, allowing for the output to be tracked to the originating log via the simulation model even though the log was cut with a deviation relative to the cut profile.

[0072] Figure 4 illustrates some components 2, 3, 5 of a log cutting system in accordance with some aspects herein from a top view. Figure 4 illustrates that the step of determining 102 a desired orientation may performed by determining at least one of a desired log displacement along a first direction extending along a first axis xl of a transporting track 5, desired log angle relative said transportation rack 5 and desired rotational position of said log 15 relative said transporting rack5.

[0073] Figure 4 illustrates that the desired log angle may be adjusted by angling an axial axis cl of the log 15 relative a second axis x2 which may be parallel to a transporting direction of said rack 5. Furthermore, Figure 4 illustrates a cross-section of said log 15 which by arrows indicates how a rotational position of the log may be adjusted. The rotational position may be adjusted with reference to a reference rotational position which may be the rotational position the log 15 has when being scanned by the log scanning device 2.

[0074] Figure 5 schematically in the form of a flowchart illustrates that during the step of determining 102 said cut profile, a safety margin may be applied. Accordingly, Figure 5 illustrates that a cut profile is firstly determined with no safety margin. Accordingly, Figure 5 illustrates that the risk of obtaining one or more defective / substandard boards based on previous cutting accuracy without any safety margin is high (78%). Accordingly, the method may predict a risk of obtaining a defective or substandard board and dynamically adapt the safety margin if said risk is above a specific threshold. Accordingly, the method 100 may apply 102a a safety margin to reduce the risk of obtaining one or more defective boards. In Figure 5 a safety margin is applied to be 3 (which may be a relative value) thereby reducing the risk of obtaining a defective / substandard board to 1%. Accordingly, a size / magnitude of said safety margin may be dynamically / real-time selected based on a previous cutting accuracy of said log cutting system. The previous cutting accuracy may be a cutting accuracy of said log partitioning apparatus for a plurality of previously cut logs such as logs which were cut directly prior to a current log which is cut. The safety margin may be applied by increasing a distance dl, d2 between at least one cutting plane 16 (i.e. an outer cutting plane) associated with a circumference of the log 15 and said circumference, the distance may be increased by a log partitioning apparatus or, the safety margin may be applied by determining a desired orientation of said log relative a log partitioning apparatus based on said cut profile. As the distance dl, d2 is increased there is increased room for error in the cutting process without obtaining a defective or substandard board (e.g. a board having bark or other unwanted properties). Hence, if previous cutting accuracy of the system is 100%, the safety margin may be removed or reduced. In some aspects, the size of said safety margin is selected based on historic data, historic data being indicative of number of defective or substandard outputs / boards resulting from specific historic cut profiles and / or deviations of the actual orientation of logs compared to the desired orientation i.e. a historic accuracy of an ability of the system to set previous logs in desired orientations.

[0075] Figure 6 illustrates a graph with two axis representing yield in relation to rotational offset of a log in degrees such a representation may be provided for determining a cut profile. Yield may be indicative of value of boards after a log is cut. Figure 6 illustrates that a rotational offset of 50 degrees would give the highest yield. Nonetheless, the method herein may based on previous cutting accuracy store information regarding that there is a high risk of the system to fail to position the log accurately to the desired rotational offset as indicated by table 1 below which illustrates three previously cut logs and how the actual rotational offset deviates from the desired rotational offset with an average of 5 degrees. Accordingly, based on previous cutting accuracy the method may adapt the cut profile to have another rotational offset which does not change the yield as significantly if the desired rotational offset differs with 5° from the actual offset as it did in three previously cut logs indicated by table 1. E.g. a rotational offset of 75° as illustrated in the graph would give a sufficient yield without significantly affecting yield if a deviation of 5° is erroneously introduced.

[0076] Table 1.

[0077] Accordingly, in some aspects, the safety margin may be applied based on a scheme (such as a table or the graph of Figure 6) which represents log yield with respect to log orientation for an intended cut profile (e.g. the determined cut profile), the log orientation may be the orientation the log has upon entering a first log partitioning apparatus. Accordingly, the safety margin may be applied to select a desired log orientation which affects a desired yield minimally or up to a pre-determined threshold. In other words, said safety margin may be applied based on a scheme which represents log yield with respect to log orientation relative cut profile determined in method step 101, wherein said safety margin is set by selecting said desired log orientation so to affect a desired yield minimally or up to a pre-determined threshold, or set to have a probability / risk of obtaining a defective or substandard board below a threshold (e.g. 20% or 10% or 5% or 1%). The safety margin may be set by selecting said desired log orientation so to, if said actual orientation deviates from said desired orientation, affect, with high probability, a desired yield minimally or up to a pre-determined threshold. The high probability may be at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, more preferably at least 99%. The probability may be estimated based on previous cutting accuracy and / or historic accuracy of an ability of the system to set previous logs in desired orientations. A defective or substandard board may vary within the context of the present disclosure and may be set as input values to the system. E.g. for some operators of the system a defective / substandard board may be defined differently compared to other operators of the system. The term "a desired yield" may be a desired volume obtained which constitutes one or more boards.

[0078] Figure 7 illustrates a first graph gl and a second graph g2, the first graph gl illustrating a theoretical representation and the second graph g2 illustrating an expected / probabilistic representation. Accordingly, based on previous feedback signals (each of which are indicative of errors / deviations), or any other historic data indicative of an accuracy of the system, the expected representation may be provided and continuously updated for each iteration of the method steps.

[0079] The expected representation g2 may be determined by utilizing a statistical method, such as a kernel-based method, preferably a Gaussian kernel as illustrated in graph g3. In other words, a statistical method / operation may be used to adapt / translate a theoretical representation to an expected representation i.e. to adapt / fit theoretical yield data to observed yield data probabilistically.

[0080] Accordingly, the step of determining a desired orientation 102 may comprise providing a theoretical representation gl, the theoretical representation gl being indicative of log yield across a plurality of log orientations. Further, the step of determining a desired orientation may comprise; determining based on observed data and the original representation gl, an expected representation g2, the expected representation being indicative of an expected log yield across said plurality of log orientations. Accordingly, the method 100 may further comprise selecting said desired orientation based on the expected representation g2.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method (100) for operating a log cutting process of a log to be cut by a log cutting system, the method (100) comprising: determining (101) a cut profile for said log, said cut profile being indicative of an output of said log, the output comprising at least one board; determining (102) a desired orientation of said log relative to a log partitioning apparatus of said log cutting system to enable said output to be obtained; providing (103), in response to that an actual orientation of said log deviates from said desired orientation, a feedback signal; operating (104) said log cutting process by at least one of: o updating (104a) a simulation model storing said output, based on said feedback signal; o controlling (104b) said log cutting system to adapt to said deviation, based on said feedback signal.

2. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein the step of determining (102) a desired orientation is performed by determining at least one of a: desired log displacement along a first direction of a transporting track; desired log angle relative said transportation rack; and desired rotational position of said log relative said transporting rack.

3. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said cut profile is an optimal cut profile determined to at least one of minimize log waste resulting from said log cutting process and maximize value of said log to be cut.

4. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein during the step of determining (102) said cut profile and / or determining said desired orientation (103), a safety margin is applied.

5. The method (100) according to claim 4, wherein a size of said safety margin is selected based on historic data, historic data being indicative of number of defective or substandard outputs resulting from specific historic cut profiles and / or number of deviations of the actual orientation of logs compared to the desired orientation of said logs.

6. The method (100) according to any one of the claims 4 and 5, wherein a size of said safety margin is dynamically selected based on a previous cutting accuracy of said log cutting system.

7. The method (100) according to claim 6, wherein said previous cutting accuracy is a cutting accuracy of said log partitioning apparatus for a plurality of previously cut logs.

8. The method (100) according to any one of the claims 4-7, wherein said cut profile is indicative of a plurality of cutting planes along which the log is intended to be cut to produce said at least one board, wherein said safety margin is applied by altering a space between at least one cutting plane and an outer circumference of said log; and / or, said safety margin is set by selecting said desired log orientation so to, if said actual orientation deviates from said desired orientation, a desired yield is affected minimally, up to a pre-determined threshold or a probability of obtaining a defective or substandard board is below a threshold.

9. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of determining a desired orientation (102) comprises:- providing a theoretical representation, the theoretical representation being indicative of log yield across a plurality of log orientations- determining based on observed data and the theoretical representation, an expected representation, the expected representation being indicative of an expected log yield across said plurality of log orientations;- selecting said desired orientation based on the expected representation.

10. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the output is a plurality of boards, wherein simulation model represent said plurality of boards and an association of each of the plurality of boards to the log.

11. The method (100) according to claim 10, wherein the simulation model represent each board of the plurality of boards by storing at least one of dimensions, internal structures, patterns, or any other characteristics of said plurality of boards.

12. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of updating (104a) comprises to account for the deviation in the simulation model.

13. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the output is a plurality of boards, wherein the simulation model digitally represent each board, wherein the method (100) comprises the step of assigning each digitally represented board simulated by the simulation model a fingerprint which is linked to said log; wherein the log cutting system is configured to match image data of a cut board to said digitally represented board.

14. A log cutting system (1) comprising: a log scanning device (2); a log rotating device (3) configured to adjust a log (15) to a desired orientation; a partitioning apparatus (4); a transporting rack (5) for transporting the log between at least the log rotating device (3) and said log partitioning apparatus (4); and control circuitry (10) configured to: determine, based on a log (15) scanned by said scanning device (2), a cut profile (16) for said log, said cut profile (16) being indicative of an output of said log, the output comprising at least one board (11);determine said desired orientation for said log (15) relative to said log partitioning apparatus (4) to enable said output to be obtained; provide, in response to that an actual orientation of said log (15) deviates from said desired orientation after adjustment of said log (15) by said log rotating device (3), a feedback signal (13); operate said log cutting process by at least one of: o updating a simulation model (17) storing said output, based on said feedback signal (13); o controlling said log cutting system (1) to adapt to said deviation, based on said feedback signal (13).

15. The log cutting system (1) according to claim 15, wherein the log cutting system is configured to: cut said log to obtain said output, the output being a plurality of cut boards.

16. The log cutting system (1) of claim 15, wherein the update comprises to account for the deviation in the simulation model.

17. The log cutting system (1) of claim 15 and 16, wherein the simulation model is configured to:_ digitally represent each board, and assign a fingerprint which is linked to said log, to each digitally represented board simulated by the simulation model; wherein the log cutting system is configured to match image data of said plurality of cut boards to said digitally represented board.

18. A computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs configured to be executed by control circuitry (10) of a log cutting system (1), the one or more programs including instructions for performing the method (100) of any of claims 1-13.

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